Poverty Rate for Latino Kids Hits Pre-recession Level

In America’s battle against poverty, there’s some good news to share: The prevalence of poverty among America’s Latino children has returned to a pre-recession rate — 28% — despite rising from 2008 to 2013.

Good news: Among America’s youngest Latinos (ages 5 and under), the poverty rate has dipped to 30% — below the pre-recession mark for this age group.

Despite these gains, the prevalence of poverty among Latino children continues to be high. In 2016, Latino kids were more than twice as likely as their white peers to live in poverty, and nearly one-third of all Latino children were growing up poor.

At the state level: Poverty rates among Latino children range from a high of 39% in Pennsylvania, Alabama and Kentucky to a low of 11% in Hawaii.

Policies like the Earned Income Tax Credit, the Affordable Care Act and child care assistance have helped lower the nation’s child poverty rate. Looking ahead: Added support and action are necessary to help reduce persistent disparities and ensure that all children — regardless of their demographic details — have an equal chance to grow and thrive.